Levis 501s are up to par with jeans that cost 3 times as much, and I'd considermy dark wash 501s dressier than and pair of Luckys I have. Size down 2" in the waist and up 2" if your inseam is under 28" or under and up 4" for 30" or higher.
To shrink them as to really fit you perfectly, toss them in the tub with the water as hot as it goes, once it cools down to the point that you won't get scalded, put them on and shrink while wearing for 45 minutes, adding hot water as needed to keep it as hot as is bearable. Stand up, drip for a few minutes, take them off (your legs will be dyed blue, don't be alarmed) and hang them from the shower rod. By the next morning, they'll probably be able to stand up on their own.
If they get visibly dirty, machine wash cold if you really need to but hand wash is preferable. If you put jeans that you bought anywhere nicer than Old Navy in the dryer I will send the fashion police after you to ticket you for abuse of denim.
|